Letter: Consider service through local political offices

Sunday

Aug 12, 2018 at 8:00 PM

The biggest threat to our democracy today is a lack of participation. This endangers our system of government more than the involvement of foreign enemies in our elections.

The 2019 election is just around the corner. Many of the board positions are nonpartisan. Service in these offices is equally as important as statewide or national offices because the decisions made at the local level impact things like property and sales taxes, the condition of our parks and the quality of our schools.

Have you ever considered serving? Would you simply like to know more about the process? Then, please plan to attend one of the two upcoming informational events put on by our informal group, The Concerned Citizens.

The first is from 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 27 in the Community Room inside the Schnucks at 2801 Chatham Road in Springfield. The second is from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 6 in the Community Room, #1 Community Drive in Rochester.

Representatives from local boards as well as Stacey Kern, director of the Sangamon County election office, will be on hand at both events to answer questions and provide information in a relaxed and open atmosphere that we hope will be enlightening and encouraging.

The local elections are a fundamental archetype of our form of government. We must not allow the current trend toward frustration with the controversy surrounding politics to discourage us from becoming engaged in our local elections and voting. There is honor in public service and preserving this is essential.

Kathryn Dinardo and Diana Fairchild

Event coordinators

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